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CAT Syllabus 2026 (Download PDF): Sections, Topics, Weightage & Exam Pattern

Exam Level: NationalExam Date: --

Last Updated on 10th October 2025

Common Admission Test

CAT Syllabus 2026 for MBA

The CAT 2026 syllabus covers three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The CAT syllabus is structured to evaluate candidates across a wide range of skills, including comprehension, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative ability.

The CAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled to be held on 29 November 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the CAT 2026 syllabus well in advance and stay updated with the official notifications. Detailed information related to the syllabus is provided in the sections below.


CAT Syllabus: PDF Download

Students are advised to download the CAT exam syllabus PDF to begin their CAT 2026 preparation. Understanding the complete CAT syllabus for MBA is essential to score well across all sections of the exam. Select Your University has prepared a comprehensive guide covering the CAT exam syllabus in detail. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and use it to strengthen their CAT 2026 preparation effectively.

Download CAT syllabus PDF by SYU Expert MBA Team

CAT Syllabus PDF Download


CAT Syllabus 2026: Quick Highlights 

The following table shows a quick overview of the CAT Exam Syllabus 2026.

Section 

Number of Questions 

Description 

VARC

24

The VARC Section of the CAT Exam syllabus 2026 for MBA covers a range of grammar and vocabulary-related topics on an advanced level. The section's primary focus is on Reading Comprehension and Para jumbles. 

QA

22

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 covers mathematics from class 9th and 10th. The key topics include Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry and Mensuration. 

DILR

20

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of the CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 includes questions based on the interpretation of the analytical data. The key topics include Puzzles, Pie Charts, Tables, Bar Graphs, Coding-Decoding, Series, Family Tree, Blood Relations, Syllogism, etc. 


CAT Syllabus and Pattern

The table below shows the CAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern 2026.

Particulars 

Details 

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Test

Medium of Exam

English

Total Duration

120 Minutes 

Number of Sections

3

Sectional Time Limit

40 Minutes 

Total Questions

66-68

Total Marks

204

Sections

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Aptitude 
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 

Question Types

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA)

Marking Scheme

  • +3 for correct answer
  • -1 for incorrect MCQ
  • No negative marking for TITA

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CAT Syllabus 2026: Section Wise & Preparation Strategy

Understanding the CAT 2026 section-wise syllabus provides students with a key outline of the topics to be covered for the exam. Students need to prepare the important subjects for CAT 2026 exam, which includes Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Correction, Data Interpretation, Logical Puzzles, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems. The section-wise CAT Syllabus 2026 helps candidates to break down their preparation into fruitful segments.


CAT 2026 Exam Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Syllabus

The CAT 2026 VARC syllabus is shown in the table below.

Topics

English Usage or Grammar

Vocabulary (Synonyms/ Antonyms)

Fill in the blanks

Sentence Correction

Cloze Passage

Jumbled Paragraph

Meaning-Usage Match

Analogies or Reverse Analogies

Summary Questions

Verbal Reasoning

Facts-Inferences-Judgments

Reading Comprehension


CAT 2026 Exam Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Syllabus

The CAT 2026 DILR important topics are listed below in the table.

Topics

Data Caselets – Reasoning-Based DI

Column Graphs

Bar Graphs

Venn Diagrams

Line Charts

Pie Charts

Scatter Plot

Radar Chart

Routes and Network

Bubble Chart

Binary Logic

Games and Tournaments

Arrangements

Team Formations

Order and Ranking


CAT 2026 Exam Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus

The CAT 2026 QA important topics are listed below in a table.

Topics

Prime Factorization

Divisibility Rules

Finding Units place and tens place of a number

LCM and HCF

Indices and Surds

Cyclicity

Remainders

Base Change

Factorial

Simple Interest and Compound Interest

Time, Distance and Speed

Mixtures and Allegations

Ratios, Proportions and Variations

Time and Work

Pipes and Cisterns

Percentages

Averages

Profit and Loss

Circles

Polygons

Triangles

Trigonometry

Lines and Angles

Coordinate Geometry

Functions and Groups

Inequalities and Modulus

Logarithms

Maxima and Minima

Polynomials

Linear and Quadratic Equations

Algebraic Identities

Probability

Permutations and Combinations

Set Theory

Venn Diagram

AP, GP, HP

Subject
Syllabus

FAQS

The CAT 2026 syllabus consists of three main sections:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Yes, the CAT exam follows a sectional time limit, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates cannot switch between sections once the time for a particular section is over.

The CAT 2026 exam pattern includes 24 questions in the VARC section, 22 in the QA section, and 20 in the DILR section, for a total of 66 questions.

Yes, the CAT syllabus is common for all IIMs, as CAT is a centralized entrance exam conducted for admission to MBA and other management programs across participating institutes.

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Conducting BodyOther
Mode and TypeOnline (Computer Based Test (CBT))
Application ModeOnline
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